Rory McIlroy and Pep Guardiola have started an unlikely friendship

It looks like we have just found the newest bromance in sport.

Pep Guardiola and Rory McIlroy have got to know each other quite well over the past 48 hours.

The Spaniard is on this side of the Irish Sea helping out McIlroy in the build up to the Irish Open.

The tournament's level of prestige has risen since McIlroy and the Rory Foundation began hosting it back in 2015 and now attracts top stars and will include world number two Hideki Matsuyama in the field.

The whole thing is now a week long event with Belfast Waterfront hosting an evening with Rory McIlroy on Monday.

It is the second year that this has taken place, last year it was in Dublin and was hosted by James Nesbitt. The actor resumed his role as the host this year but the guest of honour changed.

Last year, Alex Ferguson was the special guest but has been replaced by Pep Guardiola and both he and McIlroy seem to be the best of friends already.

As part of the events, the Irish Open is also hosting a Pro-Am with a number of familiar faces playing including Stephen Ferris and Vernon Kay.

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However, McIlroy is playing alongside the Manchester City manager but it is clear who is getting preferential treatment at the tournament.